Education Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Education Design Manager

Company: National Athletic Trainers' Association

Location: Carrollton, Texas, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Learning & Development / Instructional Design

Date Posted: April 14, 2026

Experience Level: 3-5+ Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote (with occasional travel)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in shaping the organization's educational ecosystem, focusing on the strategic design, development, and management of high-quality learning experiences.

• It requires a blend of creative instructional design, technical proficiency in e-learning authoring tools, and a deep understanding of adult learning principles to create engaging digital and blended learning products.

• The manager will collaborate extensively with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), committees, and internal teams to ensure content accuracy, compliance with industry standards (like BOC standards), and alignment with the overall learning portfolio strategy.

• This position is crucial for driving innovation in NATA's educational offerings, incorporating emerging technologies and best practices to enhance learner engagement, retention, and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "Education Design Manager" might not immediately suggest a direct revenue operations or sales operations role, the core responsibilities around managing educational "ecosystems," developing "learning products," and ensuring "compliance" with standards align with operational excellence in a professional association. The emphasis on process, stakeholder management, and strategic development of offerings positions this as an operations-focused role within the L&D domain, requiring similar analytical, project management, and strategic thinking skills valued in GTM operations. The role's focus on creating scalable and effective learning solutions mirrors the operational goals of optimizing processes and driving efficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and produce interactive, adult-learning-focused educational content using advanced e-learning authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline and Rise.

• Create a variety of high-quality online learning products, including original courses, repurposed event content, microlearning modules, and professional development pathways.

• Develop comprehensive instructional materials, including storyboards, scripts, assessments, facilitator guides, and learner resources, applying methodologies like ADDIE and Bloom's Taxonomy to ensure measurable learning outcomes.

• Build engaging interactive elements such as branching scenarios, simulations, knowledge checks, and case-based learning activities to enhance learner experience and retention.

• Ensure all learning products adhere to accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG, Section 508) and incorporate inclusive design practices.

• Partner closely with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to translate complex technical or clinical content into clear, learner-centered, and engaging instructional experiences.

• Capture, edit, and integrate multimedia elements, including video and audio, to enrich course content.

• Collaborate across the Knowledge Initiatives team, providing support for high-priority tasks and projects beyond primary assignments to foster a cohesive team environment.

• Support the ideation, prototyping, and strategic planning of new learning products, staying abreast of emerging e-learning technologies, AI tools, and adult learning trends.

• Package educational resources, such as publications, checklists, practice standards, and toolkits, using sound instructional design and adult learning principles.

• Recommend and implement new features, tools, or design approaches to continuously improve learner engagement, retention, and completion rates.

• Review and revise existing content to ensure alignment with accreditation standards, educational best practices, and NATA policies, conducting continuous improvement cycles based on learner data and feedback.

• Work effectively with committees and SMEs to support the development, review, and enhancement of educational offerings, preparing necessary agendas, materials, and follow-up summaries.

• Manage project timelines, deliverables, and content workflows for assigned educational products, overseeing relationships with external service providers (e.g., captioning, editing, multimedia contractors).

• Monitor project budgets to ensure cost-effective development and delivery of educational materials.

• Develop blended learning modules and interactive components for convention programming and support the creation of on-demand sessions, speaker evaluations, and digital learning pathways.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong operational focus on process management, stakeholder collaboration, quality assurance, and strategic product development within the educational domain. The emphasis on managing timelines, budgets, vendor relationships, and cross-functional collaboration is directly transferable to operations roles, requiring similar organizational and project management rigor.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 3-5+ years of progressive experience in designing and developing adult learning experiences.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in e-learning authoring tools, specifically Articulate Storyline and Articulate Rise.

• Proven experience with SCORM and xAPI standards for e-learning.

• Strong understanding and practical application of adult learning theory and instructional design methodologies (e.g., ADDIE).

• Proficiency in developing and integrating multimedia learning components, including video, audio, interactive scenarios, and assessments.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong ability to translate complex SME content into clear, learner-friendly instruction.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with meticulous attention to detail and a strong commitment to meeting deadlines.

• Experience collaborating effectively with committees, SMEs, or project teams in a structured environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with the athletic training practice, education, or professional standards (e.g., BOC standards) is a significant advantage.

• Experience working within a professional association, nonprofit organization, or continuing education environment.

• Working knowledge of Learning Management System (LMS) platforms and digital badging systems.

• Practical experience with video editing tools such as Camtasia or Adobe Premiere.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508, WCAG) and their implementation in learning design.

• Experience utilizing AI-assisted design tools or adaptive learning technologies to enhance educational experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize technical proficiency in specialized instructional design software and a deep theoretical understanding of learning principles. The preferred qualifications point towards industry-specific knowledge, which is common for roles within professional associations, requiring candidates to demonstrate how their transferable operations skills can be applied within a niche context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of instructional design projects is mandatory for this role.

• Projects should demonstrate expertise in applying adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies (e.g., ADDIE) to create measurable learning outcomes.

• Include examples of interactive online courses, modules, or microlearning experiences developed using tools like Articulate Storyline or Rise.

• Showcase proficiency in creating effective assessments, knowledge checks, and interactive scenarios that drive learner engagement and retention.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process, from needs analysis and content strategy to development, implementation, and evaluation.

• Demonstrate experience in creating storyboards, scripts, and facilitator/learner guides that clearly outline the instructional design strategy and content flow.

• Provide examples of how feedback from SMEs, stakeholders, and learner data has been incorporated into iterative improvements of learning products.

• Showcase familiarity with project management workflows for educational content development, including timeline management, resource allocation, and quality assurance checkpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-focused roles, a portfolio is critical for demonstrating practical application of skills. This section emphasizes the need for candidates to visually and contextually present their process-driven work, highlighting their ability to manage complex projects from conception to completion, much like managing a GTM strategy or sales process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Robust health coverage options to support employee well-being.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays: Ample leave to promote work-life balance and employee rejuvenation.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match: A strong retirement savings program to support long-term financial security.

• Pension Plan: Additional retirement security provided by the organization.

• Flexible Hours and Work Environment: Options for flexible scheduling and a remote work arrangement to enhance productivity and personal life integration.

• Professional Development Support: Opportunities and resources for continuous learning and career advancement.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• The role offers flexible hours within the standard work week, accommodating the remote work arrangement and allowing for efficient time management across different project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry data for similar roles in the specified region and experience level. The benefits package is comprehensive and typical for a professional association, with particular emphasis on work-life balance and professional growth, which are key considerations for operations professionals seeking long-term career stability.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Association (Non-profit) in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training. The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) is the primary professional body for athletic trainers in the US, focusing on professional development, advocacy, and advancing the profession.

Company Size: The provided LinkedIn data indicates a company size of 51-200 employees. This suggests a moderately sized organization where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful, but with established processes and departments.

Founded: Founded in 1950, NATA has a long-standing history and deep roots in the athletic training community, indicating a stable and established organization with a strong mission.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to a manager or director within the Knowledge Initiatives team, which likely includes other instructional designers, content specialists, and education program managers.

• This team collaborates closely with various committees, subject matter experts (SMEs), and other departments within NATA to develop and disseminate educational content.

Methodology:

• NATA's educational approach emphasizes evidence-based practice, adult learning principles, and adherence to professional standards (e.g., BOC standards, continuing education compliance).

• Data analysis and learner feedback are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness and impact of educational offerings, driving continuous improvement cycles.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are applied to the development of learning products, ensuring efficiency and quality.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely explored through the use of e-learning tools and potentially AI to streamline content creation and delivery.

Company Website: https://www.nata.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of a professional association means the "customer" is primarily its members. Operations in such an environment focus on delivering value, maintaining professional standards, and fostering a community. This role's operational impact is on member education, professional advancement, and the overall quality of training within the athletic training field.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level to senior individual contributor, often referred to as a specialist or manager within the Learning & Development or Instructional Design function. It requires a solid foundation in core design principles and the ability to manage projects independently.

Reporting Structure: Typically, the Education Design Manager would report to a Director of Education, VP of Professional Development, or a similar leadership role overseeing the organization's learning portfolio. This provides exposure to senior leadership and strategic planning within NATA's educational initiatives.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing the quality and effectiveness of professional development for athletic trainers. High-quality education leads to better-informed practitioners, improved patient care, and enhanced professional standards, all of which contribute to the association's mission and reputation. Efficiently designed and delivered learning products also contribute to resource optimization and member satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced instructional design technologies, AI in learning, and emerging e-learning trends. This could lead to specialization in areas like learning analytics, curriculum strategy, or digital transformation of education.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into a Senior Education Design Manager role, or a team lead/managerial position overseeing a portfolio of educational products or a team of designers. This would involve greater strategic oversight and team management responsibilities.

• Industry Expertise: Deepen knowledge within the athletic training and sports medicine field, potentially leading to roles with a greater strategic focus on professional standards, certification, or advocacy within NATA or similar organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for an "Education Design Manager" in a professional association often involves specializing further in instructional technology, taking on more strategic curriculum development roles, or moving into leadership positions that manage larger educational portfolios or teams. This mirrors career progressions in GTM operations where individuals might specialize in CRM administration, sales analytics, or move into sales operations management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "TELECOMMUTE," indicating a fully remote work environment. This offers significant flexibility in terms of location and work-life integration.

Office Location(s): While the job is remote, the headquarters are in Carrollton, Texas. Occasional travel may be required for NATA Convention, Joint Committee Meetings, or other specified events, suggesting a hybrid element for key in-person engagements.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration: The primary workspace is a home office, requiring self-discipline and effective virtual communication tools for collaboration.

• Technology Access: Employees will need reliable internet access and a suitable workspace. NATA will likely provide necessary software licenses and potentially hardware, though this should be confirmed.

• Team Interaction: Virtual meetings, project management platforms, and communication tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams) will be central to team interaction and project collaboration with colleagues, SMEs, and committees.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 per week) are expected, with flexibility in scheduling. This allows for managing personal commitments while ensuring project deadlines and collaborative needs are met. The ability to manage one's own time effectively is crucial for success in a remote role.

📝 Enhancement Note: A fully remote environment with occasional travel is increasingly common for operations roles. The emphasis on self-management, digital collaboration tools, and asynchronous communication is key. For operations professionals, this environment demands strong organizational skills and proactive engagement to maintain visibility and impact.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application, focusing on direct experience with Articulate Storyline/Rise, instructional design methodologies, and relevant project examples.

• Portfolio Submission & Review: Applicants will likely be asked to submit a work sample or portfolio showcasing their instructional design capabilities. This is a critical step where the quality of your work, adherence to adult learning principles, and technical execution will be evaluated.

• First Interview (Hiring Manager/Team): This interview will likely focus on your experience, technical skills, understanding of adult learning, and approach to instructional design. Expect behavioral questions related to project management, SME collaboration, and problem-solving.

• Second Interview (Panel/Committee): This stage may involve a deeper dive into your portfolio, potentially a case study or design challenge, and discussions with key stakeholders or committee members you would collaborate with. This assesses your ability to translate complex needs into effective learning solutions and your fit within the organization's collaborative culture.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, overall fit, and compensation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your skills in Articulate Storyline/Rise, interactive design, and diverse learning formats.

• Context is Key: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design process used (e.g., ADDIE), the target audience, key learning objectives, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Showcase Process: Include examples of storyboards, design documents, or prototypes to illustrate your thought process and methodology.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Ensure your samples demonstrate proficiency in creating engaging multimedia elements, interactive features, and assessments.

• Accessibility First: If possible, include a sample that explicitly demonstrates your understanding and application of accessibility standards.

• Professional Presentation: Present your portfolio through a well-organized PDF, a dedicated website, or a professional online portfolio platform (e.g., LinkedIn, personal website).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge or case study that requires you to quickly analyze a learning need, outline a solution, or critique an existing piece of content.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, focusing on how your solution addresses learning objectives and engages the target audience.

• Prepare to discuss how you would manage the workflow for a new educational product, including identifying SMEs, setting timelines, and ensuring quality assurance.

• Brush up on adult learning theories, Bloom's Taxonomy, and current trends in e-learning and instructional technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations-focused role, the portfolio is the equivalent of a "process portfolio" or "impact portfolio." It's paramount to meticulously document and present the process by which you achieve results, the tools you use, and the impact of your work, using metrics where possible.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• E-learning Authoring Tools: Articulate Storyline (advanced interactivity, complex branching), Articulate Rise (rapid course development, responsive design).

• Learning Management System (LMS): Familiarity with LMS platforms for content deployment, tracking, and reporting is essential. Specific platforms may include Moodle, Canvas, or proprietary systems.

• Multimedia Production & Editing: Experience with video editing tools such as Camtasia or Adobe Premiere Pro for creating and enhancing course content.

• Content Development Support: Tools for collaboration, project management, and version control (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, potentially project management software like Asana, Trello, or Jira).

Analytics & Reporting:

• LMS Reporting: Ability to extract and analyze data from LMS platforms regarding course completion, learner engagement, assessment scores, and user feedback.

• Evaluation Tools: Proficiency with survey tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms) for gathering learner feedback and performance data.

• Data Analysis Fundamentals: Basic understanding of data interpretation to inform continuous improvement cycles for learning products.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly a CRM role, understanding how educational products integrate with member databases or CRM systems (if applicable) for tracking professional development and engagement could be beneficial.

• Familiarity with automation in content development workflows, such as templating or using AI-assisted tools, is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in specific authoring tools like Articulate Storyline and Rise is non-negotiable. For operations roles, understanding the interconnectedness of these tools with LMS and potentially CRMs is key to managing the full lifecycle of a "product" or process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Design: A commitment to creating high-quality, engaging, and effective learning experiences that meet rigorous professional standards.

• Member-Centricity: A focus on serving the needs of athletic trainers and advancing the profession through impactful educational initiatives.

• Collaboration and Partnership: A value placed on strong working relationships with SMEs, committees, and internal teams to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: An openness to exploring new technologies, methodologies, and design approaches to enhance learning offerings and adapt to evolving needs.

• Accountability and Quality: A dedication to ensuring content accuracy, accessibility, and compliance with all relevant standards and policies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with SMEs, committee members, and internal staff, often in a matrixed project environment. This involves clear communication, active listening, and the ability to synthesize diverse perspectives.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: A culture of constructive feedback and iterative improvement, where design decisions are informed by data, expert review, and learner evaluations.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, insights, and resources within the team and across the organization to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: In an operations context, understanding and aligning with company values is crucial for effective stakeholder management and driving initiatives. The emphasis here is on quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement – all core tenets of operational excellence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing SME Input with Design Best Practices: Effectively guiding Subject Matter Experts to translate their deep knowledge into learner-friendly content while adhering to instructional design principles and project constraints.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Navigating the needs and priorities of various committees, SMEs, and internal departments to ensure project alignment and stakeholder buy-in.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technology: Continuously learning and integrating new e-learning tools, AI applications, and multimedia technologies to keep NATA's offerings innovative and engaging.

• Ensuring Accessibility and Inclusivity: Consistently applying accessibility standards and inclusive design principles across all learning products, which can require additional effort and technical considerations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Pursue certifications or advanced training in specialized instructional design software, learning experience design (LXD), or learning analytics.

• Industry Conference Participation: Attend relevant conferences (e.g., ATD, eLearning Guild) to stay updated on industry trends, network with peers, and explore new technologies and methodologies.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Opportunities to mentor junior designers or take on leadership roles within projects, potentially leading to a Senior Education Design Manager position or a management track within NATA's education department.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges and framing them as growth opportunities is a key interview strategy for operations roles. It demonstrates proactive problem-solving and a commitment to continuous learning and development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing an online course from initial concept to final delivery, including how you'd involve SMEs and ensure learning objectives are met." (Focus on your ADDIE or similar methodology, project management, and collaboration steps).

• "How do you ensure your e-learning content is engaging and effective for adult learners? Provide an example of an interactive element you designed and its impact." (Highlight adult learning principles, creative design, and data-driven outcomes).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about NATA and its mission to advance the athletic training profession?" (Research NATA's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Connect your passion for education to their goals).

• "How do you approach collaboration with committees and diverse stakeholders who may have differing opinions or priorities?" (Emphasize your communication, negotiation, and consensus-building skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly define the problem, your solution (design process), the tools used, and the results/impact.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out where your samples demonstrate Articulate Storyline/Rise proficiency, adult learning application, interactivity, and assessment design.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Understand the features and functionality of the tools you used and be ready to explain your technical choices.

• Demonstrate Process: Walk through your storyboarding, content development, and quality assurance steps, showing your methodical approach.

• Showcase Adaptability: If you have examples of adapting content for different audiences or platforms, highlight this versatility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for operations roles often involves articulating processes, demonstrating problem-solving, and showing how you leverage tools to achieve measurable outcomes. Your portfolio is your primary evidence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the JazzHR platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Select 2-3 of your most impactful instructional design projects that best showcase your proficiency with Articulate Storyline/Rise, adult learning principles, and your ability to manage the end-to-end design process. Tailor your portfolio presentation to highlight achievements relevant to professional development and industry standards.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience with instructional design methodologies, e-learning authoring tools, project management, and stakeholder collaboration. Use keywords from the job description and emphasize quantifiable achievements where possible (e.g., "Developed 5 online courses leading to a 15% increase in learner satisfaction").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approaches, and collaboration strategies. Prepare a clear and concise walkthrough of your portfolio pieces, focusing on the "why" and "how" behind your design decisions and their impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA), its mission, values, and the broader athletic training industry. Understand their commitment to professional development and compliance with standards like BOC. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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